Amber Heard Opens Up About Engagement to Johnny Depp

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Johnny Depp and Amber Heard on February 12, 2014 in Hollywood, California.

Updated at 9:15 AM CST on Wednesday, May 28, 2014

While the tabloids may be fascinated with Amber Heard's love life following her engagement to Johnny Depp, the 28-year-old starlet has remained relatively unfazed by the attention.

"I haven't noticed any change in my career," she says in the latest issue of W magazine while looking smokin' hot on the cover. "And, for better or worse, I've always had a love life that seemed particularly salacious to some people. Before, it was also seen as unconventional."

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Depp and Heard met on the set of their 2011 film "The Rum Diary" and got engaged in January 2014. Prior to romancing the A-list actor, Heard previously dated photographer Tasya van Ree for about four years.

Stars Steppin' Out

Despite the fascination with her love life, Heard has remained true to herself--she regularly rides her horse, Arrow, in Los Angeles and is incredibly close with her father.

"He taught me a lot about animals, about cars, and about resilience," she says of her dad. "That's what happens when your father doesn't have a son. I drew the line at learning about football. I had to rebel somehow."

The combination of Heard's tough gal 'tude and her gorgeous looks is part of what has made her appealing to so many--including Depp, who has previously called Amber "a southern belle" who is "sharp as a tack."

"Whenever my old friends meet someone I'm involved with romantically, they immediately warn them: 'She may look refined, but when she's angry, she can go trailer park really fast,'" Heard jokes to the mag. "But I'd always rather be passionate than bland. I can't imagine living a quiet life."

The blond beauty is determined to bring that passion to the silver screen, opting to take on roles where she plays more than just a pretty face.

"As a woman, I usually have two options: Sex Object or the Best Friend Who Isn't Sexy. It's not creatively fulfilling to just be sexy," she explains. "I did nothing to look the way I look. The genetic cards that anyone is dealt are not in their control, so to take pride in my looks would be a mistake. And besides in L.A. there's always someone more beautiful!"